New York State Association for Behavior Analysis

What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a profession that focuses on improving the human condition. ABA is a well-developed discipline among the helping professions, with a strong research foundation, established standards for practice, distinct methods of service, and recognized experience and educational requirements for practice. ABA entails the comprehensive use of principles of learning theory and operant psychology to enhance the abilities of children and adults in human services and other areas, including education, human factors, business, medicine, and rehabilitation. ABA has been prominent in the services to people with disabilities and in addressing historical concerns for the effective treatment of people with disabilities.

There are several key assumptions inherent in ABA. First, behavior can be studied scientifically; ABA relies on demonstrable principles of behavior and a focus on overt behavior. Second, human behavior is lawful, in that it is related to its antecedents (events which occur before behavior) and consequences. Third, behavior is a function of genetics and environment, with environment including a person’s social situation and present events, personal history, and physical health or abilities. The fourth assumption is that it is necessary to rely on objective data to evaluate the effects of clinical practice on a continuous basis. Such practices are a hallmark of ABA.

Job Description of a Behavior Analyst
Behavior analysts function as individual clinicians or are employed in organizations in numerous fields. These include education, behavioral medicine, mental health, disability, and children’s services, business, and institutions of higher learning. Behavior analysts often supervise associates or other personnel in the implementation of intervention services, or consult to other personnel. Behavior analysts possess a wide range of knowledge about human behavior, and demonstrate competence in helping people meet personal goals. Typically, behavior analysts define intervention so that the changes to be achieved are measurable; analyze personal, social, and environmental conditions to better understand the variables that are influencing behavior; recommend and develop the goals of behavior change; implement agreed-upon solutions; and monitor progress. National certification in applied behavior analysis exists to standardize qualifications of anyone practicing as a behavior analyst.